While midnight releases are common in Europe and North America, Japanese retailers opened only a few hours earlier than their regular schedule, causing gamers to queue overnight and into the morning.

Media reports from Japan indicate that thousands were lined up at stores across the country.

Sony Computer Entertainment president Andy House and Sony executive deputy president Kaz Hirai were in attendance at the Tsutaya store in Shibuya, Japan to personally hand the first PlayStation Vita sold to its new owner.

PlayStation Vita will arrive in North America and Europe on February 22, 2012. Sony has confirmed a launch lineup of 11 titles, with more on the way via third party developers. Titles include Uncharted: Golden Abyss, WipEout 2048, MotorStorm RC and Unit 13.